CASH-STRAPPED Brits could get up to £500 to help with essential costs throughout the remainder of winter.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a pot of £500million and the scheme is due to end next month – but there’s still time to claim.

The government introduced the six-month scheme back in October 2021, and announced it would run until March 31. 

The aim of the funding is to assist vulnerable families who are struggling to cope with rocketing essential costs.

The usual winter strain has worsened this year as a result of the cost of living crisis, which has seen food prices and inflation jump noticeably.

Not to mention, the UK is facing an energy crisis because of a rising global demand for gas. 

Last year, Brits saw the energy price cap increase twice, and prices are expected to increase again in April.

Millions of people are changing their lifestyle drastically to accommodate for price hikes, with some forced to choose between heating and eating.

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So the government has stepped in to help those on the brink by providing each UK council with a portion of the money.

From there, each council decides how to use its budget to help local residents, with many dishing out supermarket and fuel vouchers or one-off payments.

For example, Runnymede Council in Surrey is giving residents with children up to four payments of £80 a month to help with buying food.

You can search which authority you fall under by using the local council checker tool on the government’s website.

Those in Bromsgrove and Redditch can apply for the HSF through Citizens Advice, with the maximum amount awarded per household £500.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of need and what the money will be used for.

What can the money go towards?

All money has to go towards essential living expenses, but the funding can cover more than one of the following:

• Sanitary products;
• Warm clothing;
• Soap;
• Blankets;
• Purchase of kitchen equipment including fridges, freezers and ovens

Funding is also available for wider essentials like:

• Other bills including broadband and phone bills;
• Clothing;
• Essential transport costs – repairing a car, buying fuel, buying a bicycle.

Am I eligible? 

Not everyone can apply and you must live in the local area to do so.

You also need to match some of the following criteria to be classed as vulnerable:

• Must be over 18 years (or a child who is living independently but is under the age of 18 years);
• Have a household income of less than £30k (including means tested benefits) unless the family household has members who are disabled and whose means tested benefits exceed this threshold;
• Have insufficient savings to meet this need;
• Have a vulnerability such as a long term health condition or a household with disabilities.

The full list of vulnerability criteria is outlined on the council's website. 

If you fit the bill, you can apply via the Citizens Advice website with a simple application form. 

Be prepared to share details of your financial hardship, as this may be required as evidence.

If you aren’t eligible but are still struggling to afford essentials, you may be able to get cash relief elsewhere. British Gas customers can apply for a £750 grant to help with energy bills.

Other households are able to knock 50% off their water bills depending on where they live, like residents in Essex and Suffolk. 

The Sun also provides in-depth advice on how to reduce different essential payments if you’re struggling.

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